Emergency services were called to Sycamore Road, on the Highfields estate in Stafford at 2.40am today.

Flowers left at the scene of the fatal house fire in Sycamore Lane, Stafford.

Chief Inspector Gemma Ward, of Staffordshire Police, said: “I want to reassure you we are working closely with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as investigative work into the cause of the fire begins.

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Daniel Wain, aged 32, of Conifer Road, Stafford said: "I woke up at 3am and saw blue flashing lights but didn't think much of it and went back to sleep, as you don't expect anything of this extent.

"When mum told me I cried, four children dead. I didn't personally know them but it's horrendous. It's a close knit community, I moved in around 12 months ago and everyone has made me welcome, it's very quiet and children-orientated.

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Rob Barber, deputy chief fire officer for Staffordshire fire and rescue service, said: "One male, one female and a baby had escaped from the property prior to our arrival via a first-floor window.

"Our firefighters were faced with very difficult conditions inside the property due to the severity of the fire.

"At this time I cannot comment further on the likely cause."

Firefighters are now working to establish the cause of the blaze.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family of those involved in this awful tragic incident. We'll be carrying out a joint fire investigation into the cause of the fire."

The scene of a house fire in Sycamore Lane, Stafford where four children have died.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman added: "When crews arrived they found an ongoing serious house fire. Three occupants, two adults and a child, had managed to get out of the property.

"All three patients were assessed and treated on scene by ambulance staff for non-life-threatening injuries before being taken to hospital for further care.

"Tragically, four children from the property were confirmed dead on scene.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this exceptionally difficult time."